Filippo Iguera

Tell me a fun fact about yourself!

Although I love almost all outdoor sports, I have a bit of a penchant for those starting with “foo”. Here at INSEAD, I am the captain of the MIM football team and just reached the final of the foosball school tournament!

What were you doing before you joined INSEAD?

I was born and raised in Genoa, Northern Italy, the harbour city worldwide famous for its delicious, green “Pesto alla Genovese”.

After completing my Italian scientific high school, I moved to London, where I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Management at the University of Westminster.

This was a positively challenging academic journey that allowed me to not only develop a strong foundation in financial and quantitative methods but also spend a semester at Copenhagen Business School as an exchange student.

Eager to apply the theoretical concepts learned at university in the professional world, I undertook three internships in the financial field: the first in insurance at Aon, the second and the third at PwC, in audit and M&A, respectively. These experiences taught me that being simultaneously structured and open-minded is pivotal to working effectively in a team.

And can you tell me why you decided to apply for the MIM? What are your goals post-MIM?

Several factors make INSEAD and its MIM programme unique and the best option for me.

The first aspect that excited me the most was the opportunity to be surrounded by a close-knit community of extremely talented and purpose-driven individuals who have not only diverse backgrounds in terms of nationality, academic and professional experience, but also their age and unique personalities.

Second, I was attracted by the INSEAD MIM’s rigorous and innovative curriculum, which, while very intense and time-challenging, combines quantitative courses, such as Machine Learning, Data Analysis and Valuation, with more strategy-based ones like Business & Society.

Finally, the MIM programme offers a truly international exposure by allowing students to study in France and Singapore, and, optionally, also in Abu Dhabi, Shanghai and San Francisco.

After my time at INSEAD, I am leaning towards an experience in management consulting, a sector where I can combine my curiosity and analytical skills with my passion for working with people and untangling complex problems.

It’s been a whirlwind first few months, how has everything been going? Memorable moments so far? First impressions, in one sentence?

It’s now three months since I arrived in Fontainebleau to start the programme, and it feels like I have been here for two years!

From the very beginning of the programme, the INSEAD life might feel like a Michelin-starred all-you-can-eat buffet: an endless cycle of high-calibre company presentations, keynote speeches, networking cocktails and interesting conversations with brilliant classmates and professors.

My first days on the programme were so intense and exciting that I felt I did not need to sleep.

There have been many memorable moments so far; however, the two days in the forest sleeping in tents and fraternising with my new classmates are the ones that I cherish the most right now.

What are you most looking forward to during the rest of the programme?

The electives in P5 at the Singapore campus! I can’t wait to be taught by INSEAD’s distinguished and highly reputable faculty in one of the world’s most rapidly growing and business-friendly economies.

I also look forward to our June trip to the INSEAD San Francisco Hub, where I, with other 49 classmates, will have the opportunity to be at the epicentre of technology and innovation.

Any tips for anyone who might be interested in pursuing a MIM in the future?

Meet and talk to INSEAD alumni in your city, attend both in-person and virtual events organised by the university, and thoroughly read the programme’s brochure to have a better understanding of what INSEAD stands for and whether you could be the right fit for it.

Additionally, think of the application process as a marathon rather than a sprint: preparing for the GMAT, your English test, your essays, and your interviews will be a tedious and somewhat gruelling process.

That’s why I advise you to take your time, prepare in advance and use the application process as an opportunity to get in touch with your inner self and reflect on why you want to join INSEAD and what your life’s short- and long-term goals are.

Parting words of wisdom?

“Perfect is the enemy of good”, says an old Italian proverb.

More than everywhere else, perfectionists succumb at INSEAD: try to know where you want to invest your time and frequently remind yourself of your top priorities throughout this very challenging though life-changing year.